I bought this Italian-made concertina new 20 years ago and it has been played and very well cared-for since then. The 8-fold leather bellows are in great shape, no leaks, flexible, not too stiff. All the reeds speak clearly and are in tune. The action is fairly smooth and quiet, no clattering. Leather hand straps are adjustable. There are a few small superficial cracks in the lacquer on the ends but they are only a cosmetic issue and do not affect the sound or structure of the instrument. The wood ends are mahogany and the buttons are plastic. A nifty new padded case is included.
Bastari used to be the name of the company that made these and this one is marked as such, but the company is now called Stagi. This model, now called the Stagi W-15, currently sells new for around $695 including the case.
The anglo style concertina plays a different note on the blow than the draw, just like a harmonica. This one plays in the key of C on the bottom row of buttons and the key of G on the middle row. The third row on top provides alternate notes and some accidentals which makes other keys possible, as well. This a perfect instrument for song accompaniment or for playing Irish traditional tunes.
Most concertina enthusiasts will tell you that this model is one of the best, most affordable instruments for a beginner to start on. To do more research on these, check out buttonbox.com or concertina.net.
This has been a great starter instrument for me and I’m only selling it because I’ve recently moved up to a very nice hand-made concertina by Bob Tedrow. I’d like to pass this Bastari on to the hands of another beginner (maybe you?) so they can have the joy of an affordable, playable ‘tina.
Please contact me if you have questions!